Heavyweight Anthony Joshua says a fight with Tyson Fury “has to happen this year” as he looks to book his next bout.
A fight between the two British rivals has been spoken about for years, but has never come to fruition.
But with both men coming back from defeats in world title fights, Joshua confirmed Fury was the opponent he wanted to face next.
“It’s a fight I want to see because I am a fan of boxing. When I am in the gym, everyone is asking me [about this fight]. I ain’t got many years ahead of me. I want to leave the game with a bang and make an impact,” Joshua said.
“Everyone is asking me the same question. It’s up to me to deliver, that’s why I’m saying it has to happen this year.
“I think we can make this fight happen.”
Joshua was speaking at the Ring Magazine awards in London, where Fury was also in attendance.
While speaking about Fury, Joshua admitted no talks had yet taken place with Fury’s team about a potential fight.
Fury lost to unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk in December while Joshua was stopped by IBF title holder Daniel Dubois in his most recent outing in September.
